Fiji hold off US fightback

VANNES, France (AFP) – Fiji held off a spirited USA fightback to end their November tour to Europe on a winning note with a 20-14 success in Vannes, France on Friday night.

First half tries from Montpellier full-back Timoci Nagusa and wing Watisoni Votu, who also plies his club trade in France at second division Perpignan, helped the Pacific Islanders to a 15-0 half-time lead as Nemani Nadolo of Crusaders knocked over a conversion and a penalty.

Centre Seamus Kelly crossed the whitewash for USA early in the second period to begin the fightback, with fullback Ronnie McLean, of English third tier side Ealing Trailfinders, converting.

Votu’s second try pushed Fiji’s lead out again but Takudzwa Ngwenya, who plays for Biarritz in the French second division, scored the Americans’ second try, McLean again converting.

Fiji’s Watisoni Votu … outstanding. – AP

Although there were still 20 minutes remaining, the US failed to find a match-winning converted try.

It meant Fiji finished with a win following losses to France (40-15) and Wales (17-13) already on their tour.

The US played four November internationals, beating Romania 27-17 in Bucharest but losing 40-12 to Tonga at Gloucester, England, and beginning the month with a 74-6 humbling by the All Blacks in Chicago.